The Black Canyon of the Gunnison

We returned to the Black Valley of the Gunnison this morning, seeing another 2 Dusky Grouse, but our attention was somewhat distracted by the awesome views of the canyon.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Cracking views of White-throated Swift and Violet-green Swallow were appreciated by all, and there was also a Sharp-shinned Hawk flying by, Audubon’s Warbler, brief Virginia’s Warbler, Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglet, Mountain and Western Bluebirds, Townsend’s Solitaire, displaying Wild Turkey, close male Northern Harrier, many Woodhouse’s Scrub Jays, Mountain Chickadee, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Cassin’s Finch, Green-tailed Towhee, as well as some other commoner species.

Mountain Bluebird

Spotted Towhee

Western Bluebird

 Leaving here we drove to Gunnison where Brewer’s Sparrow and Sage Thrasher were seen, before we drove over Monarch Pass and scored with views of 5 Clark’s Nutcrackers.

Clark's Nutcracker

The drive to Dillon was truly spectacular with snow-capped mountains, deep-sided valleys and clear blue skies. My words can’t do this justice at all.